A Nova Scotia judge wants to hear how an effluent leak from a pulp mill affected those living in Pictou Landing First Nations before he makes a decision on sentencing.
Judge Del Atwood accepted a guilty plea from Northern Pulp Corporation Wednesday on the Fisheries Act charge, but before any further discussion he questioned why members of Pictou Landing First Nations were not asked about the impact of the leak.
READ MORE: Northern Pulp Mill under scrutiny for mill’s pollution emissions
Atwood acknowledged the Crown and defence agreed to a joint statement of facts, but considering the history between the First Nations community and the mill, he says he needs to hear more from those directly affected.
The Fisheries Act charge was laid following an Environment Canada investigation into an alleged incident between June 10 and 11, 2014.
Paul Adams with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada told Atwood victim impact statements weren’t taken because they were not legally required, but he says he will have Environment Canada investigators contact Pictou Landing First Nations soon about the matter.
Both the Crown and defence agreed to return to court Feb. 24 for sentencing.
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